ncl hawaii shore excursions

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Norwegian Cruise Line Excursions

Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes guests aboard their ships with a variety of dining and entertainment options, plus accommodations that work for all travelers, giving them the freedom to create their own vacation schedules. Roberts Hawaii offers shore excursions for the Norwegian Pride of America and Norwegian Jewel cruise ships.

Select your Norwegian cruise dates below to discover which shore excursions are offered during your stop in Hawaii.

Norwegian Cruise Dates

• Chevron down Pride of America

Every week starting March 26, 2023 to December 31, 2024:

• 5 or 7-day RT Oahu
• Chevron down Norwegian Jewel

There are currently NO cruises scheduled to/from Hawaii for this cruise ship. Please check back later for future cruise schedules, so you can book your tour excursions.

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Excursions Offered on this Cruise Line

• Map Marker Oahu

Oahu Pier Shared Transfer

As Hawaii’s largest tours and transportation company, we get you where you need to go on the island of Oahu reliably, quickly, and with Aloha.

• Map Marker Kauai

Kauai Waterfall, Plantation and Train Ride

Discover Kauai’s ancient and recent past, as well as some significant archeological sites and sacred treasures.

Journey to Waimea Canyon

Discover the natural beauty and experience one of the best views of the western coast of Kauai!

• Map Marker Hawaii Island - Hilo

Volcanoes National Park

See the ultimate sights and attractions around the Island of Hawaii on this exceptional tour, including the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park & Visitors Center, Steam Vents, Kilauea Overlook, and the Big Island Candies Factory.

• Map Marker Hawaii Island - Kona

Historic Kona Tour

On this cruise ship excursion, we share Kailua-Kona’s history to set the stage for your trip back in time to Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park — an ancient Hawaiian village of refuge.

• Most Popular

Waimea Canyon, Wailua River & Grotto Tour

This Kauai excursion combines a visit to Waimea Canyon, “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and a scenic ride up the Wailua River to the unique Fern Grotto, where the ferns actually grow upside down.

Pearl Harbor & Honolulu City Tour

With so much to see, a guided tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor is the best way to take in the top sights and get to know this special Hawaiian city. *Pride of America Guests – This tour is only available POST CRUISE (disembarkation day).

Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto Tour

Get off your ship and get on ours in Kauai, where we take you on a leisurely cruise down the Wailua River to the botanical beauty of the Fern Grotto.

• Map Marker Maui

Heavenly Hana Adventure

Take the journey of a lifetime to East Maui on the Road to Hana on this full-day tour. Discover beauty around every curve, all 600 of them, on the iconic road on the “Magic Isle.”

• Great for Film Buffs

Hawaii Movie Tours © - Kauai

Feel like a Hollywood star as you see and stop at famous filming locations on The Hawaii Movie Tours® on Kauai on this full-day shore excursion.

Island's Best Luau

Experience a one-of-a-kind experience for dinner, featuring the best of traditional Hawaiian dishes and local favorites as well as entertainment highlighting Polynesian culture.

Wailua River & Luau Combo

Save money with this two-tour combo: Take in the sights and sounds of our “Garden Isle,” where love blossoms alongside beautiful flora. Add to this a captivating luau for a memorable day in Kauai.

Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

A Hawaii cruise offers a convenient way to island-hop as you experience Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii from both sea and land — but what exactly should you do while ashore? Choosing a cruise shore excursion in Hawaii can be tough since the 50th State offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling and whale watching, visits to historic landmarks and sacred Hawaiian sites, and scenic excursions to breathtaking canyons and volcanoes. Foodies, fans of Hollywood blockbusters and thrill-seekers can easily get their fix, too.

With an average of eight to 10 hours on each island — although some cruises do stay overnight in select ports — it's possible to enjoy experiences that not only explore Hawaii's best-known natural, cultural and historic sites but also satisfy your own personal interests.

While shore excursion offerings, itineraries and prices vary by cruise line, here are our overall picks for the best Hawaii cruise shore excursions and what you can expect to pay.

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Prices may vary among third-party sellers, and from cruise line to cruise line. To account for that, we are using the following price key to help you get an idea of the costs to expect for each tour.

• $ = under $70.
• $$ = $70-$140.
• $$$ = $140-$200.
• $$$$ = over $200.

Honolulu, Oahu

Pearl Harbor

Price: $$-$$$

Pearl Harbor, one of Oahu's best-known sights, can be tricky to visit on your own because the historic World War II memorials commemorating the Dec. 7, 1941 bombing by the Japanese are located on an active military base with stringent security protocols. (No bags of any size are allowed and phones and wallets must be carried in a clear plastic bag or in a pocket.) A guided tour will get you into Pearl Harbor in a hassle-free manner and make it easy to visit the multiple sites — the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri battleship, USS Bowfin submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum — with the required reservations already arranged.

Some cruise lines offer multiple Pearl Harbor excursions with variations in the sites visited, so be sure to read tour descriptions carefully. If your cruise begins or ends in Honolulu, Pearl Harbor visits are often offered on embarkation or disembarkation day packaged with a hotel or airport transfer. Other Pearl Harbor shore excursions include a Honolulu city tour that visits Diamond Head Crater and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Important to know: Most Pearl Harbor shore excursions last five to seven hours and are appropriate for all ages. There is quite a bit of walking involved and some stair climbing is required to visit the USS Missouri, where the formal surrender ceremony by the Japanese took place on Sept. 2, 1945, ending WWII. The somber USS Arizona Memorial, where 1,177 sailors and civilians died (many of them entombed in the sunken wreck) is reached by a short boat ride.

Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

Diamond Head Crater hike

Diamond Head Crater, the photogenic volcanic landmark seen in many images of Waikiki Beach, isn't just amazing to look at — it's also incredible to climb. Active cruisers can take on the challenge during a guided Diamond Head adventure hike to its 763-foot summit. The payoff? Stunning 360-degree views of Waikiki, downtown Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.

This excursion requires you to ascend a series of moderate but sometimes uneven switchback trails followed by a walk through a narrow 200-foot tunnel. You'll then climb up two sets of steep stairs (76 steps and 99 steps, respectively). Those who choose the more difficult route to the summit will need to climb the 99 steps and an interior spiral staircase to reach the historic lookout bunkers. If you choose the easier route to the summit up the scenic Loop Trail, you'll then descend into the bunker and down the spiral staircase and 99 steps. You can also retrace your steps and descend on the Loop Trail.

Important to know: Book an early morning tour if it's offered, since temperatures escalate quickly by midmorning; wear sneakers and a hat and bring sunscreen and water. The hike is about 1.6 miles roundtrip and takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on the group and the number of people on the trail; total tour time is three to three and a half hours.

Oahu's North Shore tour

If you've visited Honolulu before or simply prefer scenic locales to cities, a good option is a tour that whisks you away from the bustle of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki and through the Ko'oalu Mountains to the immersive beauty of Oahu's North Shore. This lush and dramatic coastline is known for the big waves that pound its beaches from October to March and for its waterfalls, sugarcane fields and historic fish ponds. The region is visually stunning and its small towns offer a chance to sample Hawaiian cuisine, especially garlic shrimp, and shop for locally grown products such as macadamia nuts and pineapples.

Highlights include big-wave surfers riding the famed Banzai Pipeline (during winter months); the Byodo Temple, a Buddhist shrine built amid towering green peaks in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii; the waterfalls of Waimea Valley; and historic Haleiwa Town.

Important to know: North Shore excursions are typically five to seven hours in length with at least half the time spent on the tour bus. On sailings that end in Honolulu, some cruise lines offer panoramic North Shore tours combined with an airport drop-off (available for those with flights departing after 5:00 p.m.).

Iolani Palace and Hawaiian Monarchs tour

If Hawaii's royal history intrigues you, some cruise lines offer excursions that visit Iolani Palace, the final residence of the islands' kings and queens, and other sites of royal significance. Constructed in 1882, Iolani is the only royal palace in the United States; it was home to King Kalakaua, who built it, and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, who was imprisoned there after the U.S. annexed Hawaii. A circa-1883 statue of King Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, and Kawaiahao Church, completed in 1842, are also nearby in downtown Honolulu.

Other royal sites that might be visited on a more extensive tour include the Pali Lookout, where Kamehameha I conquered the island of Oahu in 1795, and Mauna Ala, the royal mausoleum where six of the last eight Hawaiian monarchs are entombed.

Important to know: Most Iolani Palace and royal-focused shore excursions last about four hours and combine a bus tour with a self-guided audio tour of the palace.

Related: 10 cruise ship excursions to avoid

Kahului, Maui

Haleakala Crater

Price: $$$-$$$$

Experiencing Haleakala Crater is on many Maui visitors' must-do lists and there are several ways to visit the slumbering 10,023-foot-tall volcanic peak that dominates the island's landscape. (Don't worry – it last erupted in 1790.) A few shore excursion options require that your cruise ship overnights in Kahului, the main port, or Lahaina, or has a late sail-away time.

Haleakala means "House of the Sun" and perhaps the most surreal experiences are tours at sunrise or sunset (available on sailings that overnight in Maui). To experience sunrise high above the clouds you'll need to depart the ship before 3:00 a.m. and wind your way up Haleakala's curving roadway in total darkness before watching the sun brighten the horizon and illuminate the vast 3,000-feet-deep crater with its dramatic orange-hued cinder cones. In contrast, a sunset tour lets you survey the crater and then watch as the sun disappears below the clouds and the night sky fills with twinkling stars. If you just want to experience Haleakala's scenic slopes and crater in daylight, panoramic sightseeing tours are also available.

If you're more adventurous, there are also Haleakala downhill biking tours, which transport you by minibus to an elevation of 6,500 feet and let you ride 14 miles down the switchback road on Haleakala's slopes amid the farms of Upcountry. Most bike tours do not offer access to the summit and crater.

Important to know: Haleakala tours typically last four to seven hours. Because of Haleakala's high altitude and volcanic nature, they aren't recommended for anyone with respiratory or heart problems. Temperatures are much cooler (45 to 65 degrees) at the summit, so bring a sweater or jacket.

Road to Hana

Driving Maui's legendary Road to Hana, a narrow, twisting, 52-mile route with more than 600 hairpin curves and 59 one-lane bridges, takes considerable concentration — but a Road to Hana tour on a professionally driven minibus frees everyone in your travel group to relax and enjoy the epic scenery along the way. Most cruise lines offer full-day excursions to Hana, a low-key hamlet located on the island's east coast amid jagged volcanic rocks and black-sand beaches.

Besides the thrill of this one-of-a-kind drive, which takes two to three hours to navigate, a Road to Hana excursion offers a chance to experience Maui's splendid bays and lush landscape of lava pinnacles, tropical fruit trees, giant ferns and rushing waterfalls. Highlights include the black-sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park, Pua'a Ka'a State Park and the Seven Sacred Pools of Ohe'o Gulch with its multiple cascades and soothing natural pools.

Important to know: Road to Hana excursions typically take nine to 10 hours, include lunch and aren't recommended for anyone prone to motion sickness. Sites visited vary by cruise line and some tours allow time for swimming.

Molokini Crater snorkel

Maui is home to one of the premier snorkel spots in Hawaii: Molokini, a mostly submerged crescent-shaped volcanic islet located about 2.5 miles off Maui's southern coast. This protected marine conservation site is reached via a scenic catamaran sail, during which guides will outfit you with snorkel gear and provide instructions for exploring these crystal-clear reef waters teeming with colorful sea life. Some excursions also visit Turtle Arches, lava formations known for frequent sea turtle sightings, and during humpback season (December to April), it's also possible to spot whales in the area.

Important to know: Molokini Crater snorkel tours are generally four hours long and all equipment, as well as breakfast, lunch or snacks and beverages, are provided. Water conditions can vary, so if seasickness is a problem, take that into consideration before booking.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Whale watching

If you're cruising Hawaii between December and April and you're fascinated by whales, Maui offers a terrific opportunity to see pods of humpbacks in their winter playground. More than 10,000 of these charismatic giants migrate here annually to mate and give birth. Their activities — tail slaps, breaches and calves swimming alongside their mothers — are all on display as you venture out in a whale-watching boat, or perhaps a more adventurous Zodiac. Most tours are led by naturalist guides, and in some cases a portion of the cost is earmarked for conservation through the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Important to know: Expect to spend about three hours at sea as guides search for whales; sightings, while likely, aren't always guaranteed. Water conditions can also vary and seasickness is a possibility.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

Waimea Canyon tour

Price: $-$$

Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is a 10-mile-long gorge known for the dramatic red and green hues of craggy cliffs that extend up to 3,000 feet below its rim. Located within Waimea Canyon State Park, which now requires reservations for individual visits, this scenic treasure can be viewed from lookout points.

A shore excursion that allows for about 30 minutes of viewing and picture taking is certainly the easiest way to see the canyon from a cruise ship. These tours include lots of scenic touring during the 90-minute drive each way between the cruise terminal and the canyon; many stop at the Spouting Horn blowhole or small towns in Kauai's Koloa district.

But there are caveats, namely that rainy conditions on Kauai, which is Hawaii's wettest island, can fog in the gorge and make for a disappointing outing. Kauai's driest months are April to September.

Important to know: Most Waimea Canyon excursions take four to five hours; some longer Best of Kauai excursions combine a visit to the canyon with a Wailua River cruise to the Fern Grotto.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

Hollywood in Hawaii tour

Fans of "Jurassic Park" probably know that much of the 1993 Steven Spielberg movie was filmed on Kauai — but a number of other big-screen and TV classics were, too. Movie-set tours are popular excursions, especially for film buffs. These tours take place on minibuses or motor coaches outfitted with TV screens, so you can watch snippets of Hollywood movies where they were filmed and, in some places, get out and snap photos yourself.

Besides "Jurassic Park," other movies and TV shows filmed on the island include "Tropic Thunder," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Six Days and Seven Nights," "Blue Hawaii," "South Pacific," "Donovan's Reef," "Gilligan's Island," "Fantasy Island" and "The Amazing Race."

Important to know: Most movie-set excursions take about five to six hours and primarily involve scenic touring — so even if you haven't seen the movies, it's an entertaining and comfortable way to sightsee Kauai.

Wailua River cruise and Fern Grotto

Price: $$ - $$$

Kauai is home to Hawaii's only navigable river, the Wailua River, which offers access to one of its lushest hidden spots: the Fern Grotto. This excursion combines a relaxing cruise with insights into Hawaiian culture and entertainment in the form of Hawaiian song and dance. The tourist boats that navigate this peaceful river through Wailua River State Park are run by a local family with members providing commentary.

Access to the Fern Grotto, a natural lava-rock cave covered with lush tropical vines, requires a 10-minute walk along a mostly flat, paved and shaded path. Upon arrival at the Fern Grotto, photo ops and additional entertainment await. Wailua River cruise tours also generally stop for picture-taking at Opaeka'a Falls, a 151-foot cascade that plunges into a secluded pool.

Important to know: Most Wailua River and Fern Grotto excursions are three to four hours long. Tours that combine those sights with a tour of Waimea Canyon last about seven hours and include lunch.

 Hilo, Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

While Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions, is accessible from both cruise ports on the island of Hawaii, it's a quicker trip (about 30 to 35 minutes' drive each way) from Hilo. Most cruise lines offer excursions, but almost all of them are just a basic introduction that only touches on what this 505-square-mile national park has to offer.

The main activity involves visiting several viewpoints and steam vents on the rim of Kilauea Crater with a guide who offers commentary on this active volcano's history, geology and current status. It's unlikely you'll see molten lava, and most tours do not drive out along the famous Chain of Craters Road. Some tours, however, do include a walk through the 500-year-old Thurston Lava Tube.

Other longer and more costly excursions of up to seven hours combine a visit to the national park with a helicopter flight-seeing tour and/or stops at various waterfalls or gardens near Hilo.

Important to know: Standard Hawaii Volcanoes National Park tours are about four hours long, and many also make a stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center for tastings and shopping. The walk to the rim of the Kilauea crater is mostly on gravel or dirt pathways, but some areas overlooking the crater have potential trip hazards. Also, because the crater emits volcanic gases, these tours aren't advised for people with respiratory issues.

Hilo waterfalls and gardens

Hilo's location on the island of Hawaii's lush leeward side makes it a mecca for cascading waterfalls and verdant gardens. Cruise ship excursions that visit several falls or combine a visit to a single waterfall with a stop at a botanical garden, tropical zoo or orchid farm are popular.

The two major falls near Hilo are the 100-foot Rainbow Falls, which earned its name from the prismatic effect that takes place on sunny mornings, and the powerful Akaka Falls, which is reached via a walk through a tropical forest and tumbles a breathtaking 442 feet. Other tour stops could include Hilo's Liliuokalani Gardens (the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan), the Nani Mau Gardens or the Pana'ewa Rainforest Gardens and Zoo.

Important to know: Waterfalls and gardens shore excursions vary in length from four to seven hours, and participants should expect to be on their feet for a good portion of the tour. Rainbow Falls is easily accessible from the parking lot. To see Akaka Falls, you must navigate quite a few steps and walk a half-mile circular path.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Volcano Winery

The island of Hawaii is home to Volcano Winery, the southernmost winery in the U.S. If sipping vino is a favorite pastime — and you have a curious palate — an excursion here could be a relaxing way to spend a few hours. Volcano Winery, which is family-owned and located at an elevation of 4,000 feet, specializes in tropical blends by mixing distinctive local fruits such as yellow guava and even tea and honey with grape varietals that include Pinot Noir and Cayuga to produce uniquely flavored wines. It also produces some 100% grape wines.

Important to know: Excursions to Volcano Winery are generally three hours long and include a tour of the winery and a tasting.

Kona, Hawaii

Kona Coast snorkel

For passengers who didn't get a chance to snorkel in Maui, the waters just off Kona's rugged lava coast offer another excellent opportunity to spy on Mother Nature's underwater handiwork. Most cruise lines offer a snorkel excursion by catamaran that will allow even novices to don a mask and fins and behold the intricate coral and dazzling reef fish that call the area's tranquil bays and coves home. Dolphin spotting is also possible.

A more adventurous option is a snorkel tour by Zodiac, which combines the thrill of zipping around in a 24-foot motorized raft with enjoying up-close views of coastal caves and lava tubes — and some snorkel time, of course.

Important to know: Most catamaran snorkel excursions are appropriate for all ages, last about four hours and include either breakfast or lunch; all equipment, including flotation aids, is provided and some catamarans are equipped with a diving board and waterslide for added fun. Zodiac excursions are more physically demanding and are not recommended if you have back or neck problems; you also need to be able to climb back into the raft via a small four-rung ladder.

Atlantis Submarine

Price: $$-$$$$

If you've never been in a submarine, Kona offers a chance to see the area's abundant sea life as you venture 100 feet below the surface of the Kona coast's crystal-clear waters. The Atlantis Submarine (also operating on Maui and Oahu) is U.S. Coast Guard-certified, fully air-conditioned and offers individual viewing portholes.

Important to know: Atlantis Submarine excursions last about one and a half hours and are not recommended for anyone prone to claustrophobia or motion sickness; you must be at least 3 feet tall and able to climb a vertical 12-step ladder into and out of the submarine. Excursion costs vary widely from cruise line to cruise line.

Kona coffee tour

Kona is famous for the coffee that grows in its rich volcanic soil, so if you want to taste a cup of Joe right at the source, this port is the place to do it. Cruise lines offer a variety of coffee-themed excursions; some are geared to education about the farming and production process while others focus more on sampling the goods and buying souvenirs to take home.

Some foodie-focused tours combine coffee sipping with locally grown chocolate tastings and visits to Kona-based breweries, while other full-day excursions pair a visit to a coffee farm with a cloud forest tour or a tour of Kona's top historic sights and a snorkel in Kealakekua Bay.

Important info: Kona coffee excursions are mostly three to four hours long. However, costs vary widely depending on the type of excursion, from a simple tasting room visit to a farm-based roasting experience.

Place of Refuge and Painted Church

History buffs will find plenty to love on this guided bus excursion, which visits cultural and religious sites along the Kona Coast. Three key locations are on the itinerary, the first being Kealakekua Bay, where legendary Captain Cook met his demise at the hands of local Hawaiians in 1778 and is memorialized in a monument.

Nearby is the second stop: St. Benedict's Painted Church. While the outside of this small Catholic church built in 1899 looks traditional, the inside dazzles with the artwork of Father John Velghe, a Belgian priest who drew the murals in an effort to teach local Hawaiians how to read.

The third is Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, which means "Place of Refuge at Honaunau." Built in 1650 and carefully restored, this cultural site is an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary where the bones of Hawaiian chiefs were once stored. It later became a place of refuge for defeated warriors.

Important to know: Place of Refuge and Painted Church excursions are typically three to four hours long and involve a minimal amount of walking.

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• Cruising Hawaii

The best Hawaiian island excursions on NCL Pride of America and other Hawaii cruises

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Maui day one suggestions, maui day two suggestions, best tours and excursions to take from hawaii (big) island – hilo side , best tours and excursions to take from hawaii (big) island – kona side , kauai day one suggestions, kauai day two suggestions, best tours and excursions from honolulu, oahu , what to bring with you on your hawaii tours and excursions.

Cruises are a great way to see many Hawaiian islands in a short period of time. With so many options and such little time in each port, it’s a daunting process to choose what you will see and do.

When each Hawaiian island offers so much to see and do for a week-long land vacation , how do you best spend your limited hours at each port? The options can be overwhelming! We’ve gone on many land vacations in Hawaii and we’ve taken the NCL Pride of America cruise of Hawaii , so we know Hawaii very, very well. As such, we’d like to share some thoughts and suggestions on the top tours to do in each port.

With our suggestions, we’ve aimed our focus on the places considered to be must-see . Along with outstanding scenery, we’ve also included some recommendations for learning about the culture.

As the Pride of America cruise of Hawaii is quite popular, we’ll roughly follow their itinerary as we look at each port. Note that this cruise is the only one that continuously cruises within the Hawaiian islands. Every Saturday afternoon, it sets sail from Honolulu. Within a week, the Pride of America goes to Maui, Hawaii (Big) Island, Kauai, and then returns to Honolulu for disembarkation on Saturday morning. See the following image for that itinerary.

If you are not taking the Pride of America’s cruise of Hawaii and are visiting from another ship, please verify that our suggested tours and activities align with the time constraints of your cruise ship’s itinerary.

One more point regarding time and tours, don’t try to be overly ambitious with the tours you choose that are outside of what the cruise ship offers. If your tour runs late, you might risk missing the ship, and getting back to the ship will be at your own expense. A good way to eliminate this risk is to build in a time buffer and/or book your excursions through the cruise company.

Best tours and excursions to take from Kahului, Maui

The road to Hana is one of Maui’s top attractions. This rainforest drive offers lush, tropical scenery, a black beach, waterfalls and beautiful coastal views. (One caution – if you are prone to carsickness, prepare with your preventative measures or skip this tour.)  Though we’ve taken the road to Hana many times before, when we cruised Hawaii on the Pride of America , we chose a guided tour.

Most excursions offered through the cruise ships only go to Hana and turn around, but there’s much to see beyond Hana. We opted for a tour with Valley Isle Excursions , which took us well beyond Hana in a long loop back to Kahului.

The reason we chose the road to Hana for day one of our two-day stop at Maui is that this tour takes all day. If, for some reason, your tour gets delayed, you won’t miss the boat if you have an overnight stay in port. Note that if your cruise only has one day for Maui, you might have to opt for the tours that go to Hana and back due to time constraints.

If you prefer to DIY, it is possible to rent a car and drive the road to Hana. You’ll want to do a lot of research first to make sure you use your time wisely. See our advice for the road to Hana . Note that we have a mini-guide to the road to Hana that allows you to see some awesome sights but doesn’t go to Hana and doesn’t take the entire day.

Alternatives for Day One on Maui

If the road to Hana doesn’t appeal to you, consider other tour options provided by the ship or rent a car and sightsee on your own. Look for an organized or DIY tour that might include the following options:

• Historic Lahaina is a neat town to walk around, check out the shops, see their large banyan tree, and have lunch.
• If it’s humpback whale season in Hawaii , which runs roughly from December-ish to April-ish, consider going on a whale-watching tour. Maui is one of the best islands for humpback whale watching.
• The Iao Valley is a fascinating place to see, so if you can, squeeze that in on either day one or two. It only takes about an average of 30 minutes to see this valley, so it can be combined with other sightseeing.
• Maui and Hawaii (Big) Island are our favorite islands for snorkeling. The crescent-shaped crater of Molokini is a top spot for snorkeling in Hawaii. Look for a tour that includes “turtle town” which may give you an opportunity to see honu (Hawaiian sea turtles.)
• We really like the  luau options on Maui , so if your ship has an overnight stay on Maui, the evening of day one would be a very good evening to enjoy a luau. 

Seeing sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level on a dormant volcano is quite a unique experience. Haleakala sunrise is one of the top activities for Maui. If your ship stays overnight on Maui, day two would be your only option for seeing sunrise from Haleakala.

If you toured the road to Hana on day one, check out the other suggestions we listed above under “Alternatives for Day One on Maui”

One of the most fascinating attractions in all of Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . It’s a park that is worthy of exploring for more than just a day, but as you’ll likely only have a day here, you’ll get to see some of the park’s highlights. Don’t miss it, especially if you have the opportunity to see volcanic activity.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about a 50-minute drive from Hilo. So, you’ll need a tour or rent a car. The ship will offer tours, but if you want to consider an independent operation, we had a great tour with Keikana Tours’ Hoppa On Hoppa Off .

From the Kona side, our number one pick would be seeing Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park . It’s often referred to as the Place of Refuge. This park offers an opportunity to learn about ancient Hawaiian culture with a stunning oceanside backdrop. At the moment, we’re not seeing a tour to this park being offered by NCL, so you’d have to rent a car or get a private tour guide to get here. It’s about a 40-minute drive from where the tenders drop off passengers. If you opt to see this place of refuge, you will also be able to make time to tour a coffee farm for which Kona is famous. We’ve enjoyed visits to Greenwell Farms . If you still have time available, visit Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park

Alternative ideas for Hawaii (Big) Island, Kona :

• If you did not snorkel on Maui or would like to do so again, Kealakekua Bay is a great place to snorkel. You’ll need a tour to get there.
• The Kohala waterfalls tour is an excellent waterfall tour. Plus, the drive to and from north Kohala offers you the chance to see more of the island.  I’m not certain, but I believe the Kohala waterfall tour offered by the cruise companies is this same one .
• Walk around Kona to check out the historic sites, shops and restaurants.

Best tours and excursions from Nawiliwili/Lihue, Kauai

Choosing what to do on Kauai seems to be a bigger challenge than the other islands. There’s so much to see and do! Here are our thoughts for day one:

– Our number one suggestion would be to rent a car. This would give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Years ago, we wrote this article — I only have one day on Kauai. What should I see? It’s still good advice as you’d get to see the Kalalau Valley Lookout , Waimea Canyon , Spouting Horn and two of Kauai’s most iconic waterfalls — Opaeka’a and Wailua Falls . Those are all must-see places in Kauai, in our opinion. If you are on the NCL Pride of America cruise, you should have plenty of time to see all of this on the first day of your stop at Kauai, which includes an overnight stay.

If you don’t want to rent a car, look for a guided tour that includes some of the sites just mentioned.

Alternative ideas for Kauai day one :

– Kauai is a spectacular island for a helicopter tour. See this link to review Kauai helicopter tour companies and read reviews .

– A Kauai movie sites tour takes you to some beautiful spots where movies have been filmed in Kauai.

– For some fun, we love the Mountain Tubing Adventure . See our review . (If you do this on day two, get the first morning tour in order to allow enough time to get back to the ship before departure.)

– Another one of our favorite tours is the Kauai Secret/Sacred Falls Kayak and Waterfall Hike .

Other notes about Day One on Kauai

If you are on the Pride of America , this is the port where the ship has arranged the option to go on a luau. They advertise it a lot. We have not been on to this luau, so we cannot speak from experience, but the feedback we heard from a handful of other passengers is that they were slightly disappointed. Our favorite luaus are on Maui and Oahu. See Maui luau options and Oahu luau options .

If you are on the Pride of America , this is a short day as you are only in port until 2pm. So taking tours could be tricky on this day. Here are some thoughts:

– Kalapaki Beach is a nice beach and just a short (approximately 0.5 miles) walk or shuttle ride from the cruise terminal.

– Consider a helicopter tour, as we mentioned above. Kauai is our favorite island for a helicopter tour. Most tours only take an hour and the airport is only about five minutes away from the cruise terminal.

– As we mentioned above, for some fun, we love the Mountain Tubing Adventure . See our review . You would need to get their first tour at 9am to make this feasible for day two of your stop in Kauai. Double-check the timing as that can be subject to change.

If you are on the Pride of America, the ship will make its way around Kauai to cruise by Kauai’s stunning Na Pali Coast. You will have some time, probably a couple of hours, from when you leave the dock to when you can see the Na Pali Coast. Check with guest relations for their estimated timing for that day. You will definitely want to take in those views.

We hope you’ve allowed at least an extra day or two to explore Oahu either on the front end or the back end of the cruise. Here is our Oahu vacation itinerary that you can adjust to your available days.

The cruise companies have excursions to see Pearl Harbor and some Honolulu sites with an airport drop-off. That is worth doing if you can fit it in and if you didn’t allow extra days on Oahu.

Here’s a list of general items you’ll need or want for your excursions.

• Your identification and key card
• Tour vouchers
• Fully charged smart phone and/or camera
• A light jacket, preferably waterproof, in case of a rain shower. Additionally, some of the places like Waimea Canyon, Haleakala summit and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are in elevated, cooler climates.
• Water to stay hydrated
• A hat or visor
• Comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty as you might be walking on some dusty or muddy trails.
• Some tours may necessitate beach towels.

Sheila Beal

Sheila Beal is the founder and editor of Go Visit Hawaii. You can connect with Sheila Beal on Twitter , Go Visit Hawaii on Facebook , or Instagram .

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35 Tips For Your Cruise To Hawaii On NCL’s Pride Of America

by Prof. Cruise · Published February 28, 2020 · Updated March 16, 2022

Aloooooooha! Having just returned from my fourth visit to Hawaii, second cruise to Hawaii, and first cruise to Hawaii aboard the Pride of America (POA), I have compiled my 35 best tips to help you plan for your POA cruise, maximize your time onboard, and fully experience each Hawaiian port. Thirty-five because I just celebrated my 35th birthday (in the spirit of full disclosure, I stopped counting 7 years ago)!

Tips For Before Your Cruise On The Pride Of America

1. understand what makes the pride of america unique.

Sailing on the Pride of America will be an experience nearly as “unique” as sharing a table with Prof. Cruise (that’s me!) in the main dining room: wow, she’s weird (I am) and smells like she forgot deodorant (without fail).

So what makes the Pride of America so weird, I mean, “unique?” As the only American flagged ocean cruise ship, you’ll notice three major differences between the Pride of America and other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. First, the Passenger Vessel Services Act does not apply to American registered ships, so the Pride of America isn’t required to stop at a foreign port. All other cruises to/from Hawaii will call in a foreign port (usually Canada or Mexico), adding on many sea days and at least one non-Hawaiian stop to their itinerary (not a bad thing in my mind, but a significant difference). If you only have one week off work and want to cruise Hawaii or don’t like sea days, the Pride of America is your only option.

Second, because the Pride of America has to abide by all American labor laws, the majority of crew members will be Americans, unlike other cruise ships that employ mostly foreign workers.

And the third difference, directly related to the second, is cost. You’ll likely pay a much higher per night cruise fare on the Pride of America than other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. Pride of America crew members are paid more, enjoy labor protections foreign workers do not, and turnover is higher, leading to increased cruise fares. Our total 7-night fare on the Pride of America was nearly double what we paid for a 15-night sailing on the Grand Princess round-trip to Hawaii from San Fransisco. In fact, it was our most expensive vacation ever (factoring in the expense of getting to and from Honolulu by air).

2. Consider The Implications Of Such A Port Heavy Itinerary

Unlike most cruise itineraries that include a mix of port and sea days, every day on the Pride of America is a port day. The ship even remains docked at port in Maui and Kaua’i overnight and travel between ports mostly takes place after dark. You may have heard the Pride of America described as a “floating hotel” for that reason. Hawaii, not the ship or the sea, will be the main attraction for most.

As such, you won’t do much lounging around the ship in your robe with a cocktail in one hand and a soft serve cone in the other, turning the pages of your book with an elbow.

You also won’t have as much time to enjoy your stateroom, drink and dining packages, the spa, and other ship activities. Take that into consideration when deciding what to book – for example, we opted out of bidding to upgrade to a suite from our balcony cabin knowing we wouldn’t do much more than sleep in it. We elected to stick with a less expensive cabin and spend more on excursions.

3. Price Shop

My regular readers (hi mom and gigi!) may have been surprised to learn that we sprung for a balcony cabin on the Pride of America – we normally book the cheapest cabin category available, allowing us to cruise more often. However, the significant expense involved in getting to and from Honolulu makes booking the Pride of America unique.

At the time we booked, NCL offered free airfare (note that there are significant downsides to booking NCL EZ air, but that’s a topic for another time), gratuities, and transfers for those booked in a balcony category or higher. After pricing out an inside cabin and paying for flights, transportation, and gratuities on our own, it actually ended up being significantly cheaper to book the package, including the balcony cabin, through NCL. It may be for you too – price shop!

4. Book A Port Side Balcony

In the event that you end up booking a balcony cabin, be sure to choose one on the port (left) side of the ship. On the last day of your cruise, you’ll spend the early evening cruising along the spectacular Nāpali coast of Kaua’i. While the captain will turn the ship around so that those on the starboard side can see it too, that will happen well into dinner hours. To see it first and in full sunlight, book port side!

5. Avoid Deck 8 Balcony Cabins

While on many ships, lifeboats are tucked away under balcony cabins, on the Pride of America they jut out from the side of the ship on deck 7 and are visible below most balcony cabins and especially those located directly above them on deck 8. While this isn’t a huge deal and you’ll still be able to enjoy your balcony if you end up booked in one, you will be able to see them as you’re looking down at the water and they will appear in many of the photos taken from your balcony. Book a higher deck if you can or far forward or aft (double check deck plans before you book).

6. Read A Hawaii Travel Book

I checked this highly rated one out from my local library and found it very helpful:

You can also purchase it on Amazon here . It was written by locals and will help you understand the unique history, culture, and topography of Hawaii and maximize your time in each port with suggestions of “can’t miss” attractions that appeal to a wide variety of interests.

7. Learn A Bit Of Hawaiian

While you certainly won’t need them to successfully navigate the islands – nearly everyone speaks English – learning a few words and phrases in Hawaiian will add to your experience and you’ll notice crew members and locals using many of these:

Aloha (pronounced a-lo-ha): hello, goodbye, and love

Mahalo (pronounced mah-hah-loh): thank you

‘A’ ole palikir (pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah): you’re welcome or no problem

A hui hou (pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu): until we meet again

Howzit? (pronounced how-zit): how are you?

Waina (pronounced wy-nah): wine. Don’t confuse this one with the English slang word “wino” which is used in jest to describe my mother-in-law who will be embarking on her own Hawaiian cruise soon. This one’s for you, Gigi!

‘Ono grinds (pronounced oh-no grinds): delicious eats.

8. Pack Wisely

Don’t forget to pack these essentials for your cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America:

Binoculars: you’ll appreciate having a good pair of binoculars for your shore excursions and for your scenic cruise along the Nāpali coast. I have these and love them – they’re compact and inexpensive. I got them for Alaska, but they worked great in Hawaii too.

A quality camera: gorgeous photo opportunities are everywhere in Hawaii! Invest in a good camera to use in addition to your phone. Here’s a great starter camera for travelers (I have it and love it):

Reef safe sunscreen: be sure your sunscreen is reef safe – it’s the law in Hawaii! Here’s a list of reef safe sunscreens available on Amazon .

Bug repellant: I forgot my bug repellant wipes and returned to Seattle with dozens of itchy bumps to prove it! I prefer the wipes to spray because they’re easy to pack and apply.

Extra outlets: the number of outlets in Pride of America cabins is extremely limited. If you have multiple devises you want to charge at once, consider bringing a cruise approved power strip like this one :

Cheese: I mean, matching Hawaiian outfits ! I promise, no one is laughing behind your back. Yes they are. But who cares, you look adorable!

9. Fly To Honolulu The Day Before

Do as I say, not as I do. My teaching/travel assistant and son, “H,” would point to “don’t eat so much sugar” and “brush your hair” as examples of this for which I am admittedly guilty. “Fly to Honolulu the day before your cruise” would be another. Due to work obligations, we couldn’t fly to Honolulu until the day of sail away and our flights, booked by NCL’s EZ air, didn’t have us arriving into Honolulu until 2:30 in the afternoon.

While I normally love planning a cruise almost as much as the cruise itself, my regular pre-cruise excitement was tainted with worry that we’d miss the boat. If you do elect to fly in the day of, be sure to buy travel insurance that will cover the cost of any possible delays. I always use this site to compare plans and rates. I’d advise against booking insurance through the cruise lines – it will be costlier and may not cover everything you need.

10. Don’t Purchase A Lei At The Airport, You’ll Receive One At The Cruise Terminal

While you might see people wearing beautiful leis at the airport in Honolulu and be tempted to purchase one, hold your horses (or your luggage in this case). You will receive a free fresh flower lei for women (pictured above) or a shell lei for men as you enter the cruise terminal. You’ll also have the opportunity to make additional leis later in the cruise (I’ll get to that shortly).

Pride Of America Ship Tips

11. fish on hallway carpets swim toward the front of the ship.

Look closely at the above photo and spot the tiny red fish swimming in the wrong direction near where the carpet transitions to a different pattern. That would be me. Lost. Thankfully, the fish on the carpet on the Pride of America will point you in the right direction. They swim toward the front of the ship.

12. Relax On The Sun Decks

The photo above may cause introverts to run, hyperventilating, to the nearest paper bag (I’m breathing into one right now!). If you prefer a more private and serene place to relax, hit the sun decks above the Lido for comfortable and more secluded lounging options.

13. Pick Up A Beach Towel At The Beach Shop Or As You Exit The Ship

Beach towels will not be provided in your cabin or freely available on loungers like you may be used to on other lines and ships. Instead, they must be borrowed (by providing your state room number to ensure you return them – your account will be charged if you don’t) at either the Beach Shop (located midship on deck 11, right next to Dolce Gelato) or as you exit the ship on port days.

14. Walk Or Jog On The Promenade Deck

One of my very favorite things to do on a cruise is to walk the promenade deck while listening to an audio book and stalking wildlife. And, if allowed, I’ll also jog out there early in the morning to justify the 45,000 calories I consume in an average cruise day. Like minded poʻe (people) will be thrilled with the expansive promenade deck wrapping all the way around deck 6 on the Pride of America. Just be sure to walk in the right direction. I didn’t notice the tiny arrows on the wall (I told you, I’m that red fish!) and got cussed out by an aggressive power walker for going the wrong way. E kala mai (sorry)!

15. Arrive 15 Minutes Early To Theater Shows To Score A Good Seat

This is important on nights at sea when the shows are more widely attended and prime seats fill up fast. When staying overnight at a port, shows and restaurants will be less crowded as many passengers will choose to eat and recreate off the ship.

16. Smoke At The Waikiki Bar

Or avoid the Waikiki bar on deck 13 aft if you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke or just think it smells worse than dog farts (I’m currently opening windows in my apartment thanks to Henry, my rescue mutt, and wishing I was at the Waikiki Bar even though I don’t smoke, but that’s just me). This is the only designated smoking area on the ship.

17. Don’t Look For The Casino

You’ll waste your whole vacation seeking something that doesn’t exist, like me on my never ending quest for a career that allows me to cruise for free. Because gambling is illegal in Hawaii, the Pride of America doesn’t have a casino. There’s always the claw machine in the arcade though or you can place bets among your friends on how many free hot dogs you can eat at the Key West Grill on deck 12. #loopholes

18. Attend Enrichment Programs Hosted By Your Hawaii Ambassador

A variety of enrichment lectures, activities, and crafts will be hosted by the ship’s Hawaii ambassador, a local resident of the islands. We particularly enjoyed the flower lei making class, offered for free, that included plentiful and beautiful fresh flowers. We each made one and used them to decorate our cabin for the remainder of our voyage. Their lovely smell almost masked the stench of my gym clothes. Almost.

19. Double Check Your Final Bill

We found a mistake on our final bill – we were charged for several drinks that should have been included in the Hawaii Beverage Package. No biggie, I called guest services and they refunded our credit card. But double check your own bill for errors. It actually pays to do this every few days (you can view it on the TV in your cabin) or even daily as lines and waits for guest services can be longer toward the end of the cruise.

Dining And Drinking Tips For The Pride Of America

20. consider the value of the hawaii beverage package.

As I mentioned earlier, due to the port heavy itinerary, it may not be worth paying the service charges to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as a perk and definitely wouldn’t be worth it for most people to purchase it outright. But depending on how much you plan on drinking, this is something to consider.

The Hawaii Beverage Package includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including boxed water which is nice to have for port days) up to $15 (and you’ll just pay the difference for any drinks over $15). Note that you will pay tax on the retail price of each drink while at port in Hawaii. Most of the items on the bill I have posted above are tax charges on our drinks.

You can take a look at the bar menus here to get an idea of the drink prices so you can weigh the package versus an à la carte approach. We did elect to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as one of our “free” perks and believe we got our money’s worth. But not everyone will with so little time spent on the ship.

21. Understand How To Get Free Espresso Drinks With The Hawaii Beverage Package

The Hawaii Beverage Package generally does NOT include espresso coffee drinks, such as those on the menu at the John Adams Coffee Bar:

However, there are a few exceptions to this. First, you CAN order a from a limited selection of espresso drinks (espressos, double espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos) while dining in the restaurants and they WILL be covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. For breakfast, I’d recommend a double shot of espresso paired with a shot of Bailey’s. Start the day off right!

You can also order an Irish coffee (I like to add a shot of Bailey’s to mine) or an espresso martini – both of these ARE covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. However, note that the espresso martini is currently priced at $18, so you will have to pay the $4 extra above the $15 covered by the package. Try at least one of these though, they’re amazing!

22. Try The Free Alternative Restaurants

In addition to the buffet and main dining rooms, there are three additional complimentary restaurants worth trying at least once: Key West Bar and Grill, Cadillac Diner, and East Meets West. Key West Bar and Grill is a small buffet style grill on deck 12 offering burgers, hot dogs, fries, and salads. Both the Cadillac Diner (American classics) and East Meets West (Asian) are small, sit down restaurants and can get crowded at popular times. I recommend going at off times, like in the afternoon on a port day for the Cadillac Diner and early evening on the first night of the cruise for East Meets West. The menus for both can be found here .

23. Eat Breakfast In The Dining Room To Avoid Buffet Crowds

The Aloha Cafe (buffet) on the Pride of America was very crowded during breakfast hours as everyone was trying to grab a quick bite before heading out to port. For a more relaxing experience (and better food, in my opinion), eat breakfast in the Skyline dining room. There was never a wait to be seated and service was fast. You can preview the breakfast menu here .

24. Order The Pound Cake French Toast

I was happy to see three daily breakfast specials on the menu in the Skyline Dining Room on the Pride of America (this hasn’t been the case on some of the other smaller NCL ships I’ve sailed). And I was thrilled (and drooling) when I saw the pound cake french toast, my all-time favorite breakfast item on NCL, as a one of the specials. I’d dine at Skyline every day just so you don’t miss it. Trust me, it’s that good!

25. Book A Luau Instead Of A Specialty Restaurant

Because Hawaii is the main attraction on this cruise, I would encourage you to sample local Hawaiian ‘ono grinds (delicious food) by eating some of your meals in port, perhaps skipping the specialty restaurants on the ship if cost is a concern. And I especially recommend booking a luau. You can book the popular Luau Kalamaku through the ship, but I suggest you to shop around to get a better price. Here are some options available through Viator .

26. Reserve Specialty Restaurants Early

If you do decide to dine at a specialty restaurant, be sure to book your preferred time early as the popular times fill up fast. You can book certain restaurants before you sail by going to your reservation online or you can book via the reservations desk (right next to guest services on deck 5 midship), via the NCL app, or by placing a call to reservations from your stateroom after you board.

27. Don’t Miss The Puddings Behind The Dessert Station In The Buffet

While I’m the last person (or dog for that matter) you should come to for fashion advice (the average Fido strutting the streets of Seattle or riding in a designer purse is better dressed than I am), I’m the premier expert when it comes to dessert. And I consider the bread and rice puddings available in the buffet on the Pride of America some of the very best at sea. I particularly love the chocolate chip bread pudding (covered in caramel sauce and vanilla soft serve) and the honey rice pudding.

They’re easy to miss though, hidden on a counter behind the dessert station and next to one of the soft serve machines. You’re welcome – I was tempted to keep this one to myself.

28. Choose The Main Dining Room (MDR) For Dinner That Best Fits Your Style

The Pride of America has two main dining rooms open for dinner (both of these are included at no extra charge in your cruise fare): the Skyline restaurant (deck 5 aft) and the Liberty restaurant (deck 6 aft). While their menus are identical, the decor and dress code will be different. For cruise casual attire (where shorts and T-shirts are common and acceptable), dine at the Skyline Restaurant. If you prefer a more elegant dining experience, opt for the Liberty Restaurant which requires a collared shirt for men and does not allow shorts.

29. Make A Reservation For Dinner In Your Chosen Main Dining Room

While you can show up at either of the main dining rooms (Liberty or Skyline) for dinner at any time during operating hours without a reservation and wait in line to be seated, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation. The line for those without a reservation can be long and there’s a separate podium and hostess for those with a reservation. I always felt a little guilty bypassing the huge line as the reservations hostess walked us right in to be seated. But I overcompensated for my guilt by childishly taunting my fellow passengers: neener, neener, neener!

30. Order Multiple Items In The Main Dining Room

Portions in the main dining rooms can be small for Prof. Cruise, Mr. Cruise, and others with big appetites. Thankfully, you can order as many items as you want! On one night none of the entree selections appealed to Mr. Cruise, but he liked the sound of all the appetizers. So he ordered them all! Be sure to specify to wait staff if you want them brought out one at a time or all together. And consider offering them an extra tip for the effort it takes to bring out all those dishes!

I always bring along a pack of these cruise staff thank you cards and pass them out with cash inside to anyone who has made my vacation extra special (I gave out a lot of these in the Skyline Restaurant on the Pride of America – service was fast and excellent!).

31. Get A Nightly Crepe From The Buffet

Even if you’ve already eaten multiple desserts from the restaurant, there’s always room for a made-to-order crepe. Hit the buffet during dinner hours each night so you can try all the delicious combinations. Or just order the Nutella and fresh cream for seven consecutive days like I did.

Port And Excursion Tips For Your Hawaii Cruise On The Pride Of America

32. book private excursions.

Cruise line excursions are expensive and sometimes feel crowded and rushed. However, many cruise passengers are nervous about booking tours or exploring ports on their own for fear of missing the ship and becoming an unwilling youtube star as they desperately flail around on land, “wait, wait!,” before jumping into the sea as a last ditch attempt to rescue their vacation (the biggest incentive to book cruise line excursions is that they guarantee to either hold the ship for you or transport you on their dime to the next port in the event of a late return).

But if ever there were a time to skip the expensive ship excursions and book tours through private local companies or venture out and explore on your own, it’s this cruise! Why? Because you’ll be staying overnight at two ports – Maui and Kaua’i . So if you book tours or explore on your own via a rental car or public transportation, you don’t need to worry about what time you get back to the ship – the gangway will stay open all night and into the next day. Here are my top shore excursion picks for Maui and Kaua’i offered by Viator (owned by Trip Advisor).

33. Pick Up Tender Tickets For Kona Near Guest Services Beginning At 6:30am

Kona is a tender port, meaning the ship will anchor out in the open ocean and you’ll need to board a smaller boat to ferry you to shore. To avoid thousands of people lining up at once, you’ll need a tender ticket with an assigned time (unless your latitudes level is Gold or above in which case your ship card will serve as your tender ticket and you can line up whenever you want or if you’re booked on a ship excursion in which case your excursion ticket will serve as your tender ticket).

In order to get the time you want, you’ll want to pick up your tender ticket as soon as they start offering them at 6:30am at a table near the Guest Services desk. I’d even suggest arriving a bit before 6:30am as a line will begin to form between 6-6:15am.

34. Save Money In Kaua’i And Kona

If you have limited funds for port activities and are not comfortable renting a car, prioritize booking excursions and tours in Maui and Hilo as there is nothing to do near the cruise terminals at those ports. Go here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Maui and here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Hilo.

In both Kaua’i and Kona there are free or inexpensive things to do within walking distance of the ship (or near Kailua Pier where your tender boat will deliver you, in the case of Kona).

Go here for my recommendations for things to do near the terminal in Kaua’i.

For Kona I recommend snorkeling (or just relaxing) at Kamakahonu Beach and checking out the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark (both located right next to Kailua Pier where your tender boat will drop you), shopping or dining along Ali’i Dr, and visiting historical sights such as Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church. All of these suggestions are a very short walk from your tender boat. If you feel like venturing out a bit further, you can catch a $2 (cash only and the driver cannot make change) open-air trolley that will take you around town. View a printable schedule of stops here .

35. Look For Rainbows

I think I saw more rainbows on this trip than in all of my prior 35 (+7) years of life. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find the Pride of America at the end of one! Better than a pot of gold if you ask me – because I’d just use it to buy a cruise anyway!

And with that…

Mahalo for reading. A hui hou!

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN this post so you can refer back to it later!

Optional Homework: Check out my Hawaii port posts , preview all the r estaurant, bar, and room service menus on the Pride of America , see my review and ship tour of the Pride of America , and read my Guide to the Hawaii Beverage Package.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if using a computer or just keep scrolling down if you’re on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

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4 Responses

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Hey, I can’t get the links to pull up your tour recommendations for the islands. It just links to the generic Viator site. Would love to see what your recommendations were! Thank you!

A great read as we are thinking of booking Hawaii for 2022 as we have 3 cruise coming up before that. Your article has so much good useful info.

The date you published this post we were actually ON the Pride. It was the most expensive vacation ever, but worth every penny for the once in a lifetime trip. Sure enjoyed reliving our trip thru your blog!!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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